Dear Island Community,Close to 200, and even more by some estimates, showed up in support of Standing Rock. That translates to around 20% of our population. It is wildly satisfying to organize events that run away with themselves and engage the community at its fullest- and for your attendance and support, I am deeply grateful. We (You!) raised $6000 and folks continue to contribute. Not only did you turn out in near record numbers but you turned out your pockets too! THANK YOU!Thank you to the following people and businesses that helped make the Benefit the great success it was-

I previously forgot to mention Stefano and Leslie for their donations to the silent auction of both a variety of Cortes Creations products and a handmade leather bag by Stefano. Thanks you two!!

Firstly, thank you wonderful community members who came out and donated generously to the cause. Without attendees the event would not have been possible!

Thank you to Michelle Robinson and the Klahoose First Nations for hosting on their territory, and Jacqueline for being MC and for making the beautiful video on traditional perspectives on water of the Klahoose elders. Link to come, so you can more clearly hear the audio.

The evening would not have happened without:Dancing Wolf, for so much, and from day oneCaleb and my childrenLily and Frey for being rockstar babysittersHannu for stellar sound and encouragementLella for Stage Managing with aplombBillie for the great raffle and awesome silent auction organizationLara Sawyer for the much appreciated transportation of the donationsBrittany for all of the graphic designBill Wheeler for his inspirational commitment to supporting those at Standing RockRex for his immeasurable moral supportElke for holding welcoming space at the door with Kelly Wand, Cindy, Leona Jensen, Madhurima and Josea

Food:Michelle for making cinnamon bunsCaroline for making fry breadCortes Co-op for Gluten Free Chocolate CakeKlahoose Band for paper plates, cups, and plastic cutleryLovena and Ryan Harvey for providing Gathering Place teas.Yifan for donating the ingredients and cooking the dumplingsMegan for staffing the Oh So Sweet Table all nightand THANK YOU all the other wonderful people who donated baked goods.

Other volunteers:SonyaJuliaLaraAshleyKatCazJenDevaBilly for guidance and a helping hand prepping for the evening (yes I figured out that your name was in fact Billy :)

THANKS TO ALL who stayed and helped with clean up including Sonya Friesen for doing the dishes into the wee hours.

And… a special mention to Darshan and Alex for the great photography of the Benefit and posting them for the community on Facebook.

If you are interested in the financial breakdown of the event- stay tuned as more will come to Tideline on that matter later this week. If you would like to contribute to our mail to Standing Rock, please drop money or letters off at the Coop or the Gorge Store, labeled Standing Rock.If we have missed anyone our apologies.